Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

Game 8: Yankees vs. Angels

It’s another gorgeous spring afternoon in the Bronx as the Yankees and Angels prepare for the second game of this three-game weekend series. The Yankees lineup has one change for today, as Alex Rodriguez moves into the DH spot for the second time this year.

Joe Girardi has talked about wanting to keep A-Rod’s legs fresh underneath him, and this is part of that continuing process. Andruw Jones is in left field as Brett Gardner deals with some flu-like symptoms, which Girardi said made his decision a whole lot easier. The Yankees send Phil Hughes to the mound for his second start of the year after Hughes needed 99 pitches to get through 4 2/3 innings against the Rays on April 8.

“I think they just did a good job fouling pitches off,” Girardi said this morning. “I actually was very pleased with his curveball, changeup and fastball. They just fouled some pitches off. Maybe you expand a little bit more so it looks like a strike, but I thought they did a pretty good job.”

I haven’t completely given up on Hughes just yet. He doesn’t look like he has taken a step in the right direction to stick with the rotation. He is still inefficient when it comes to pitch count, gives up too many HR’s and still can’t get deep in games. However, if he fails to stick Yanks should consider moving him to the BP where his velocity has always increased and he has always done well. Both Phelps and Warren are unknowns and have average stuff. Pineda won’t be back pitching before May, Crashman better pray that he doesn’t turn into another injury-prone pitcher, otherwise more criticism about him knowing pitching will fall on him even harder,especially after what the Yanks gave up to get Pineda, and the failures of Hughes/Joba/Kennedy. There really aren’t any highly touted prospects who are ready to step up and help this team in a big way Betances andBanuelos are both struggling are currently struggling big time and most likely won’t be up until they can show better control.

I think both Chamberlain and Hughes have moved into the category of “what we can salvage.” All Cashman can do is gather the healthy arms. Each passes a physical at that point. If they subsequently become injury-prone there’s not a lot he can do about it!

Totally agree with Charles Dunston. I gave up on Hughes and Joba two years ago. With Pineda and Andy down the road Hughes’ days are numbered. And with Phelps & Warren he is not needed in long relief. Count the two, Joba & Hughes as Yankee busts. Quicker the Yankees make the break the better for all.

More than a bummer. A verypoor showing by Hughes again and the offence. I don’t think Hughes should be in the rotation and don’t expect he will be when Petitte gets ready and the injured pitcher we got from Seattle(forgot his name for the moment) i healthy. Hughes should be pitching out of the bull pen. Yankees weren’t able to hit Wilson nor the relief following. Not a good day and back to 500 record. Got to win tomorrow to win the series. Girardi left Phil in one batter too long which he often does.

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